When the Los Angeles Dodgers won the sweepstakes for Roki Sasaki this past offseason, it was hailed as another example of the franchise’s unmatched pull. The 23-year-old arrived from Japan with a 2.10 ERA across four seasons in NPB, a fastball that routinely touched triple digits, and the reputation of being one of the most gifted pitching prospects in years.
But the excitement has since given way to concern. Sasaki hit the injured list in May with a shoulder impingement after posting a 4.72 ERA in his first eight major league starts. He struck out just 24 batters in 34.1 innings, struggled with command, and gave up home runs at an alarming clip (1.57 per nine innings). His expected numbers were even worse, with a 6.20 FIP and a walk rate of 14.3%.
Dodgers’ Demanding More From Top Pitching Addition
Vote For Your Favorite Dodgers Duo: Ohtani – Yamamoto, Betts – Freeman, Hernandez – Hernandez
Now, in the middle of a rehab assignment with Triple-A Oklahoma City, Sasaki’s struggles have only deepened. Through four starts, he has a 7.07 ERA across 14 innings, allowing 17 hits and eight walks. More alarming has been the steady drop in fastball velocity. Once capable of sitting between 98–102 mph, Sasaki averaged just 94.4 mph in his most recent outing. Without the same velocity or location, Triple-A hitters have consistently squared him up.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts has not minced words about what comes next.
“Again, I think the main thing for Roki is just performance. Increasing his velocity and command. Just pitching well,” Roberts said. “We’re in a playoff race. So he’s got to continue to raise his level to be here.”
This week marked the second time Roberts publicly challenged Sasaki to improve.
“Like I said a couple weeks ago, we’ve got to go with our best guys,” Roberts added. “And this is the time, right now. Roki has gone through a lot this year. And he still has a ton of talent. We just want to see more.”
Sasaki himself acknowledged that his path back is not guaranteed.
“My every intention is to get back on the major league mound and pitch again,” Sasaki said. “With that being said, I do need to fight for the opportunity, too. I don’t think that I’ll just be given the opportunity right away. So you know this month is going to be important for me, since I’ll be facing hitters throughout.”
The Dodgers still believe in his long-term ceiling, but with five healthy starters and Shohei Ohtani’s return looming, there may not be room for Sasaki this season unless he finds another gear. For now, the player once billed as baseball’s most exciting pitching prospect remains a project in progress—and the Dodgers can only hope the hype hasn’t outpaced the reality.